Japan Airlines (JAL) has expressed its intention to incorporate Alaska Air Group into its existing trans-Pacific joint venture with US-based American Airlines. Although JAL has clearly indicated this strategic interest, no specific timeline for the inclusion was provided.
In the wake of the Korean Air-Asiana Airlines merger, Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) have formalized a business agreement to jointly monitor the implementation of corrective measures required as part of the merger approval process. This cooperation aims to ensure fair competition and compliance with aviation regulations following the integration of Korea’s two largest airlines.
Minority shareholders of T’way Air (South Korea) have begun legal and financial action, alleging violations of their shareholder rights amid the airline’s merger and acquisition agreement involving major stakeholders Yelimdang and Daemyung Sono Group. The dispute highlights growing concerns over transparency and fair treatment in corporate governance during ownership transitions.
SMFL LCI Helicopters, the joint venture between Sumitomo Mitsui Finance & Leasing Co. and LCI Investment, has announced an agreement to acquire Macquarie Rotorcraft, a major helicopter leasing company. This acquisition will significantly expand SMFL LCI’s fleet, strengthening its position in global rotorcraft leasing across sectors such as offshore transportation, emergency medical services, search and rescue, and utility operations.
Air France-KLM has made a $326.8 million bid to acquire a 51% stake in Air Europa, a strategic move that would strengthen its presence in Spain and enhance its long-haul connectivity to Latin America.
Air France-KLM, the Franco-Dutch airline group, has confirmed its intention to participate in the privatization process of TAP Air Portugal, the Portuguese national carrier. This announcement comes as the Portuguese government moves forward with plans to sell a stake in TAP, aiming to enhance the airline’s competitiveness and financial stability.
The Brazilian government has provided an updated timeline on the proposed merger between GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes and Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, estimating that the process will be finalized within 12 months. This timeline aligns with the deadline set by CADE, Brazil’s antitrust regulator.
ANA Holdings, the parent company of All Nippon Airways (ANA), has announced a postponement of its planned acquisition of Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), with the new effective date set for April 1, 2025. This delay is attributed to the ongoing review process by competition authorities in Japan and China.
Frontier Airlines is once again pursuing a merger with Spirit Airlines, reviving a deal that previously fell through. The parent company, Frontier Group Holdings, has put forth a proposal that includes $400 million in newly issued debt and common stock, aiming to consolidate operations with the ultra-low-cost carrier.
The proposed merger between GOL and Azul, two of Brazil’s largest airlines, has received government support, with the country’s ports and airports minister stating that the move would strengthen the aviation sector and prevent either airline from facing financial difficulties.
